Iran, Malaysia produce antibacterial coatings for isolated areas

TEHRAN, Feb. 02 (MNA) – Joint efforts by Iranian and Malaysian researchers have led to the design of a nano-based anti-bacterial coating to be used in isolated areas, INIC reports.

According to Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council (INIC), researchers from Iran and Malaysia designed a nanostructure based on carbon nanotubes with antibacterial properties to be used in public places, specially hospitals and clinics.

This material can also be used in blood purification filters. The carbon materials solve the problem of blood poisoning caused by hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis is a process in which blood is purified for kidney patients. The device stops working gradually due to the accumulation of bacteria and microbes in the filters and membranes. Therefore, numerous studies have been carried out to use antibacterial materials including polymeric compounds and carbon nanostructures in this process.

The primary objective of the research was to introduce an antibacterial compound to produce appropriate coatings for isolated areas such as hospitals. However, a potential compound was also suggested to produce blood purification nanofilters taking into consideration blood toxicity due to the use of filters containing metal particles.

Polymers produced in this research were firstly introduced as antibacterial agents. However, since the polymers have effective antibacterial effects against various types of resistant hospital bacteria, it seems that they can be used in the production of antibacterial coatings and medical equipment.

Results of the research have been published in Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, vol. 103, 2015, pp. 2959-2965. The research findings have also been patented under Patent No. 74061 entitled 'Antibacterial Polyvinyl Chloride Composite' in Iran Patent Office.